Holy shit! What an intense record! From the opening chords of "Seven Tongues of God" onto the stunning "Passenger", "Politics of Ecstasy", and till the end of the album, this 60-minute+ sophomore release by Seattle's Nevermore never seems to falter. Led by the vocal charge of frontman Warrel Dane, Nevermore continues on with their style and direction with a crisier, more detailed vision of the progressive metal they create. The music is more balanced with the melodies and vocal styles taking shape into full-fledged epics as well as the sound has become more firm with triumphant guitar riffs (thanks to guitarists Jeff Loomis and Pat O'Brien) that seem to garnish the musical platter of the band. The debut album by the band, 1995's _Nevermore_, seems so minimal and off-center when played back to back with _PoE_. Maturity will do that. Bottom line: _PoE_ is a truly remarkable second release. In the same vein as Queensryche, Angra, and Fates Warning (though heavier), Nevermore's latest truly sets the standard for what ALL progressive records should follow.